The Kiss

Robert Herrick (1591–1674)

1.AMONG thy fancies tell me this:

What is the thing we call a kiss?

2.I shall resolve ye what it is:

It is a creature born and bred

Between the lips all cherry red,

By love and warm desires fed;

Chor.And makes more soft the bridal bed.

It is an active flame, that flies

First to the babies of the eyes,

And charms them there with lullabies;

Chor.And stills the bride too when she cries.

Then to the chin, the cheek, the ear,

It frisks and flies,—now here, now there;

’T is now far off, and then ’t is near;

Chor.And here, and there, and everywhere.

1.Has it a speaking virtue?—2.Yes.

1.How speaks it, say?—2.Do you but this:

Part your joined lips,—then speaks your kiss;

Chor.And this love’s sweetest language is.

1.Has it a body?—2.Ay, and wings,

With thousand rare encolorings;

And as it flies it gently sings;

Chor.Love honey yields, but never stings.